Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has criticised President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of being reluctant to resolve several issues raised by Kenyans.
Addressing the press on Friday, February 28, Odinga faulted Ruto’s government for poor governance, claiming that the current administration had failed to tackle the prevalent corruption issues.
The former Azimio leader also condemned the government for failing to curb the rising cases of abductions currently being witnessed in the country.
According to Odinga, despite persistent calls for the government’s intervention in the matter, several Kenyans were still missing, with no arrests made.
“We have seen the emergence of the attitude of intolerance where people are being denied the right to engage in assembly and even to demonstrate," Odinga commented.
He added, "We are also seeing people being abducted and confined for many days, others are being killed. These are very worrying developments in our country that we must bring to an end."
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader also called out the government for failing to deal with the deep-rooted tribalism in the country, according to him, he recently received complaints from Kenyans who lamented discrimination in the provision of government services.
Odinga further hit out at the government over reluctance to resolve the health crisis prompted by the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He maintained that thousands of Kenyans were unable to access health services due to the disruption caused by the new health scheme. While reiterating the matter, Raila called for the immediate government intervention.
"We need to be united so that we can speak with one voice, but we have seen many complaints in the healthcare sector. Many patients are suffering because of the introduction of SHA," Raila said.
"This is something that needs to be resolved so that people can receive proper medical attention. We have seen our doctors, nurses, lecturers, and even students lamenting, and these are problems that need solutions," he added.
Odinga's demands come barely a week after he commenced his consultative tour across the country to gather public opinion on his party's next political move.
During his first consultative meeting on Wednesday, February 26, Odinga met youth leaders, elders, the business community, and other relevant stakeholders to gather insight into the challenges facing Kenyans.
